Kirkby-based machinery moving specialists Joseph Merritt has announced a rise in both revenue and profits.

Revenue at the company, which employs 42 people, increased by £1.56m to £5.52m and profits more than doubled from £320,000 to £870,000, accounts filed for the financial year ended June 2018 show.

James Merritt said: “It has proved to be a very successful year following a number of changes at board level. We appointed finance director Alan Cundy, and I moved into a more customer-facing role. This has improved cost control and operational efficiencies.”

Alan added: “A significant programme of capital investment started in 2018 and will continue into 2019 and beyond. This investment will assist us in meeting the growing demand for machinery relocation services within the UK and Europe.”

Last year the company invested £1.4m in new plant and equipment to support the growth plans and increase operational capacity.

Former HSE inspector Lincoln Marks has been appointed health and safety manager, and four new team members have been given driver/engineering roles.